How to Find a Movie When You Can’t Remember the Name (Even If You Only Recall One Scene)

Can't remember the name of that movie stuck in your head? Don’t stress — this guide will show you how to find a movie with no title, just clues. Whether you remember one actor, a single scene, or just the vibe, here are foolproof ways to track it down using the internet, search tricks, and movie forums.

1. Use Google Like a Detective

Search using any details you remember: actor names, characters, quotes, scenes, or genre. Add context like “black-and-white” or “80s horror.” Use minus signs to remove results you don’t want (e.g., dinosaur movie -Jurassic -Park).
Example: “boxing movie female coach” or “weird rabbit movie David Lynch”

2. Try a Movie Search Engine

Use niche tools like MovieSearch or AllMovie. These let you find a movie by describing the plot, keywords, or actors.
Sample searches: “Brad Pitt romance” or “80s horror guy in mask”

3. Search IMDb with Specific Keywords

IMDb is a massive database with detailed movie info. Use it to search keywords, actor names, or even plot summaries.
Example: Can’t remember a film with “king” in the title? Just search “king” and scroll through.

4. Look Up an Actor’s Filmography

If you remember who was in the movie, Google their name + “filmography” or check their IMDb profile.
Bonus Tip: Don’t remember the name, just the face? Try Google Images: “tall white actress with curly hair” might lead you to the right person.

5. Ask the Internet: Reddit or Film Forums

Reddit has entire communities dedicated to forgotten movies. Try:

• r/WhatIsThatMovie – Movie-only subreddit for finding lost titles
  
  

• r/TipOfMyTongue – General memory help, including films
  
  

• Filmfind.com – A movie sleuthing community that lives for this stuff

6. Ask a Friend (or Social Media)

If you watched it with someone, ask them. You can also post a scene or vague description on TikTok, Threads, or X — the internet loves a good mystery.

7. Check Your Streaming History

Saw it recently? Your watch history may hold the answer:

• Netflix – Go to “Account” > “Viewing activity”
  
  

• Amazon Prime – Check your watchlist
  
  

• Hulu – It’ll be under “Keep Watching”
  💡 Note: Max and Disney+ don’t show watch history.
  

8. Scroll Through Streaming Libraries

Open Netflix, Max, or Prime Video and casually scroll through their catalogs. Movie thumbnails can jog your memory — a familiar face or poster might be all you need.

9. Rebuild the Plot in Your Head

Replay the story in your mind, one scene at a time. Start from the beginning: What happened first? What came next? Talk it out with a friend or even out loud — you’ll be surprised what surfaces.

10. Tap Into Memory Triggers

Think about where and when you watched it. Who were you with? How old were you? What did the movie make you feel? These personal details can help unlock more clues and get you closer to the title.

Whether you remember just a quote, a vibe, or one weird scene with a rabbit in it, there's always a way to rediscover a forgotten film. With the right tools — from IMDb to Reddit — and some smart search tricks, your mystery movie won’t stay a mystery for long.